When people are arrested for driving under the influence in Tampa and across Florida, they might automatically associate it with alcohol. However, many incidents involve people who were allegedly high on drugs. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can hinder a person’s judgment and lead to recklessness, diminished reflexes and an auto accident. Still, people who are involved in a crash – especially one in which there was a fatality – and are confronted with charges for operating under the influence should understand the potential penalties they will face. And with that information, craft a strong defense.
An auto accident that claimed the life of a 57-year-old woman was allegedly due to another driver who was high on methamphetamine. The driver was arrested as a result. Based on reports, the 31-year-old man was traveling on the interstate shortly before 6 a.m. in a 2017 Toyota Corolla. He was heading south and was said to be driving at significant speed. Law enforcement believes the driver noticed a police vehicle in front of him and tried to slow down by hitting the brakes hard.
The vehicle went out of control and travel into another lane, hitting the side of the 2009 Dodge van the female victim was driving. The Dodge veered from the road and crashed head-on into a tree. The Toyota rolled over numerous times. The woman was taken to the hospital where she was later declared dead. A female passenger in the Toyota suffered minor injuries. The man was arrested on multiple offenses for DUI, including manslaughter.
When there is an auto accident with a fatality, it is an unfortunate occurrence. If there are allegations that the crash was caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it will inevitably spark an arrest. For people who have been charged with intoxicated manslaughter, the penalties can be severe with jail, fines, lost driving privileges and more. Even though the charges were made, it does not automatically mean a person was guilty. To avoid the worst penalties or to be acquitted, it may be essential to have legal assistance from an experienced drunk driving attorney. Asserting a defense could help reduce and even dismiss the charges against the accused.